Category: Dog Breeds

The Affenpinscher dates back to the seventeenth century and is German in origin. The name is derived from the German Affe (ape,monkey). He is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) Miniature Schnauzer(Common nickname is “Monkey Dog”).

Larger dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600. They were about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and also red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.

The Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression. Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs);other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.

Affenpinschers has a similar look of terriers.They are very much different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are alsofun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.

They are not recommended for very small children, they can become very territorial when it comes to their toys and food, This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

A small sample of Affenpinschers in a UK survey had a median lifespan which is a typical lifespan for a purebred dog, but a bit lower than most breeds of their size. The most common causes of death were old age (24%), urologic (19%), and “combinations” (14%).

The Affenpinscher can get hip dysplasia. As with many small breeds of dog they are prone to collapsed trachea, which is best avoided by walking the dog with a harness instead of a collar. Cataracts are occasionally reported.

The Affenpinscher is good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. These dogs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overly warm living conditions are damaging to the coat. Although it is an energetic and active little dog, a lot of its exercise needs can be met with indoor play, like all dogs, the Affenpinschers should be taken for daily walks to fulfill it’s canine instinct to walk. It will also enjoy a chance to run around outside in a wide open-space.

Coat is rough & thick and needs to be groomed two to three times a week because of their 1 inch coat. They have a very high activity level and a average to high learning rate. They are not good guard dogs , but can be good watchdogs.

The height of the Affenpinscher is about 9.5 to 11 inches (24 to 28 cm.),and the weight is 7 to 9 pounds (3 to 3.5 kg.).The life span of the Affenpinschers is 11 to 12 years. The litter size usually range from 2 to 3 puppies.

Registries:
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI is not a registry and does not issue any pedigree)
AKC = American Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry

The Afghan hound is a very old sighthound dog breed. Its local name is Tāzī. The country of origin is Afghanistan. Their history is uncertain. It is belived that they were used for hunting with tribal chiefs on horse back. Because these tribes were isolated, the breed was kept very pure and was unknown to outsiders until the nineteenth century.It was first brought to England by British officers in the early twentieth century and arrived in the U.S.by the 1920’s.

They are distingushed by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end. the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt wolves, foxes, and gazelles. He has a straight front, proudly carried head, and the skull is evenly balanced with the forehead, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past.

The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some specimens have facial hair that looks like a Manchu moustache that are called “mandarins.” Some Afghan hounds are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding.

The typical Afghan hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing. The breed has a reputation among dog trainers of having a relatively low “obedience intelligence” as defined by author Stanley Coren. The Afghan hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its obedience as are some other breeds. The Afghan hound has a leaning towards independence. Owners should not be surprised if their Afghan hounds sometimes choose to ignore commands. Although seldom used today for hunting in Europe and America where they are popular, Afghan hounds are frequent participants in lure coursing events and are also popular as show dogs. They have a very high activity level and are good watch dogs. They are not very good guard dogs

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%). Major health issues are allergies, and cancer. Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.

The Afghan hound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with acreage. This breed can live in or outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors. Afghan hounds love open spaces and must be allowed to run free in a safe area as well as having long daily walks. It needs a minimum of 30 minutes of free galloping per day.

The coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the mature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan houndcoat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

Their weight is about 20 to 27 kg (45 to 60 pounds) and the height is about 61 to 73 cm (24 to 29 inches). Afghan hounds in UK surveys had a median lifespan of about 12 years, which is similar to other breeds of their size. They usually have a litter size of 6 to 8 puppies.

Registries:
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI is not a registry and does not issue any pedigree)
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry